Florida’s school choice headache: Millions of unused dollars
Some 500,000 students across Florida, which hosts the nation’s largest school choice effort, have accepted education vouchers toward home or private schooling. But thousands of these students, for one reason or another, aren’t using the money — leaving a staggering $400 million lingering in their accounts. This massive sum, clocking in at $100 million more than Florida spends annually on school safety, is one of several revelations recently unearthed by shocking state audits, issues lawmakers are attempting to rectify in 2026. More from Politico and WLRN.
Two Florida colleges rank among the 'most beautiful' in the US. Where are they?
Two Florida colleges placed alongside Cornell and Princeton in a ranking of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation by Travel + Leisure magazine. "America's most beautiful colleges don't just attract prospective students and their families. Tourists flock to these impressive institutions to admire their perfectly manicured lawns, striking architecture, and noteworthy landmarks," Travel + Leisure editors wrote in the article. The travel publication's list of 30 beautiful campuses includes colleges from "resort-like schools in Florida to the European-inspired Gothic-style universities of the Northeast." [Source: Daytona Beach News Journal]
Column: 7 numbers that help explain Florida’s public education
As we flip the calendar page to 2026, it’s a good time to look at some of the most impactful facts that shape public education in Florida. Let’s start by acknowledging the primary reason for our tax-supported education system: to prepare students for meaningful careers that enable upward economic mobility. Think of public education as a pipeline from early childhood and kindergarten through high school, then onto career preparation, which may be a college degree or a high-value credential. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida bill would ban public colleges from admitting undocumented students
Undocumented immigrants in Florida won’t be able to attend public universities if a sweeping new education bill passes the state Legislature. The 32-page SB 1052, filed Monday by Vero Beach Republican Sen. Erin Grall, instructs public colleges and universities to exclusively admit students who are “citizen[s] of the United States” or “lawfully present therein.” It also would prevent migrants illegally in the country from participating in state-funded adult general education programs, which include classes for GED and English as a second language. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
No ‘free pass’: Florida CFO calls for school board spending reviews
To date, Florida’s chief financial officer has focused his spending efficiency reviews on municipal governments. On Wednesday, he suggested turning his attention to school districts. “The school districts are some of the most wasteful spenders in government,” Blaise Ingoglia said in comments he shared on X. He provided no specifics, but spoke of creating a methodology to compare the growth in school budgets to that of the student populations they serve. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida State University opens new College of Business facility
The new year comes along with a new experience for Florida State University’s College of Business community with the grand opening of the school’s five-story home. Billionaire Herbert Wertheim donated $65 million, and the school is now named after him. Wertheim believes business graduates can help solve the healthcare crisis in the United States.
› All Jones High students to receive full Valencia College scholarships
All of Jones High School’s current students can go to Valencia College for free, the college announced Wednesday. Jones students, packed into the school’s gymnasium, learned the news in the morning at the surprise gathering. Any student currently enrolled at Orlando’s Jones — about 1,500 pupils, most of whom come from low-income households — is guaranteed to have their unmet costs at Valencia covered once they enroll, the college said. Typically, two years at Valencia costs about $6,000.
› Referendum bonuses to end for highest-paid Broward school staff
The highest-paid administrators in Broward schools will no longer receive bonuses of up to $14,000 from a referendum that was intended to help teachers and staff members afford to live in South Florida. The School Board also agreed to ask the district’s chief auditor to investigate why the most senior employees were added in 2024 to the pool of employees who qualified for dollars from a referendum Broward voters approved in August 2022.
› Tampa-based Campus Course rethinks Florida college apparel
Campus Course did not start as a fashion experiment. It started on the sidelines. Founder Michael Melendez spent nearly a decade working inside Division I athletics, moving through stadiums, locker rooms and donor events where school identity is not a trend but a language. From field-level vantage points to packed rivalry games, he saw how colors, logos and subtle design choices shape emotion, intimidation and pride. That experience planted the seed for Campus Course, a Tampa-based collegiate apparel brand built around premium golf basics with school identity at the center.